It’s another big opportunity for Vinicius, who didn’t understand just how big the “TUF: Brazil” spot and his semifinal-round finish were until the show was over.

“Everything changed – my life, my way of thinking,” he told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). “I feel accomplished. ‘TUF’ opened several doors I wouldn’t have had, such as for training and endorsements. Up to my 30th fight, I had no endorsements. My ‘endorsement’ was my paycheck as a ‘motoboy’ (motorcycle deliveryman in Brazil). Now everything is improving for me. Now I’m in the best physical shape of my life because of the improved training.”

Vinicius’ name became even more known in his native Brazil after he scored a TKO win over Wagner Campos back in June at UFC 147 in Belo Horizonte. It was his first official UFC fight and came on the heels of the “TUF: Brazil” publicity.

Of course, Dana White criticized Vinicius and other Brazilian fighters, whose flamboyant and over-the-top walkouts irked the UFC boss at UFC 147. White complained that the fighters were celebrating expected victories even before they got to the cage.

Vinicius, though, said White just didn’t understand the situation, especially for fighters like him who grew up in slums.

“As a promoter, he is surely entitled to his opinion,” he said. “But since he’s not Brazilian, he can’t relate to how those guys were feeling. For any Brazilian fighter who reaches even the chance to fight once in the UFC, that’s a very happy thing. But at the same time, it does show a lack of professionalism not to be focused on an upcoming fight.”

Vinicius said he’s now recognized in the streets. Previously, if his countrymen heard he was a motoboy who also fought professionally, he was labeled a thug. He said only in the past couple years has the country begun to embrace the sport on a mainstream level. The UFC’s recent arrival after a 13-year absence played a big part, as did “TUF: Brazil,” which did huge ratings in the country earlier this year.

“Training to fight was something people thought only criminals did,” he said. “But gladly the sport has grown. Even ‘TUF: Brazil’ helped explain to the public that MMA is a sport nowadays. Fighting actually keeps people off the streets. The prejudice [was around just] one or two years ago.”

Vinicius now meets a similar prospect in Bedford, who also has a lengthy body of work before joining the UFC. Like Vinicius, many of Bedford’s fights don’t show up on his resume because they were part of underground fight leagues or unsanctioned bar shows.

And like Vinicius, Bedford got his start on “TUF,” where he was a semifinalist. He’s on a 7-1 run, and like Vinicius, he’s looking to move into serious title contention with a win on Saturday.

“I think he’s very similar to me,” Vinicius said. “I came off ‘The Ultimate Fighter.’ He has a long resume. He’s a tough guy. He has good wrestling, good boxing. It’s will be a great fight. I hope we both put on a great show.”

As the UFC 189 tour made its last stop in Dublin, featherweight champ Jose Aldo was met with a torrent of abuse from the Irish fans. It might have been unpleasant, but it might also have been just what he needed.